Why More Brands are Ditching Shopify for Custom Solutions

Sure, Shopify and other off-the-shelf solutions make it super easy to get started, but as businesses grow, they need more flexibility and control than these one-size-fits-all platforms can offer.

More and more brands are discovering that custom websites and software systems, built specifically to meet their unique needs, are the way forward. Let’s explore why this shift is happening and how it supports business growth, scalability, and long-term sustainability.

Shopify has been the go-to for many businesses because it’s user-friendly, quick to set up, and covers all the basic needs for an online store. But what happens when your business outgrows the basics? If every business is using the same templates and features, how can you offer something truly unique?

The Benefits of Going Custom

So, why are brands investing in custom websites and software systems? The short answer is that they need more control, scalability, and sustainability than platforms like Shopify can offer.

• Control: With a custom system, you’re in charge. You decide how your website looks, functions, and grows. Off-the-shelf platforms come with limitations - both in terms of design and functionality - that can prevent you from fully expressing your brand’s vision or responding quickly to market changes.
• Scalability: As your business grows, so do your needs. Custom solutions are built with scalability in mind, meaning your systems can expand alongside you. Whether it’s handling higher traffic volumes, more complex transactions, or integrating new technologies, custom-built systems can adapt without the need for constant workarounds or upgrades.
• Sustainability: Building a custom system allows businesses to streamline operations, minimise waste, and take control of their tech stack. Plus, custom software can evolve over time, making it a long-term investment that pays off by keeping your operations efficient and future-proof.

Finding Balance

Going custom doesn’t mean businesses have to build everything from scratch. In fact, the smartest brands are mixing the best of both worlds-developing what makes them unique in-house while still leveraging external providers for complex tools they don’t need to reinvent.

For example, eyewear brand Kits tried to build its own virtual try-on tool but eventually realised an external partner could do it better. They turned to Fitting Box to provide the feature but kept control over how it was integrated into their site. This approach allowed them to deliver a top-tier customer experience without overextending their internal resources.

The key is to figure out which elements of your digital experience are essential to build yourself and which are best outsourced. That way, you can focus your resources where they’ll have the most impact - on the areas that make your brand stand out.

Growth

Building custom systems isn’t just about solving today’s problems - it’s about preparing for tomorrow. By investing in bespoke websites and software, businesses are setting themselves up for long-term growth. These systems are built to evolve, so as new challenges arise, your business is ready to meet them head-on without missing a beat.

Take Larroudé, a shoemaker that used the profits from their first two years in business to build their own factory. By doing this, they reduced production costs by 20% and sped up production times by four weeks. It’s the same principle with digital systems: when you take control of your infrastructure, you can cut costs, streamline processes, and ultimately grow faster.

The Bottom Line

While building a custom system may seem like a daunting (and expensive) proposition, it’s ultimately a smart investment. Taking control of your own tech ecosystem can lead to significant cost savings in the long run. By bringing critical parts of your business in-house - whether that’s e-commerce functionality, logistics management, or customer data integration - you can make quick, real-time adjustments based on shifting market conditions. This level of control simply isn’t available with generic platforms. If you want to stay ahead, you need a system built for your business, not everyone else’s.

Custom websites and software systems are a necessity for businesses looking to scale, differentiate themselves, and grow sustainably. By partnering with the right software providers and taking control of the areas that matter most, brands can build a future that’s not only profitable but also unique.